9 Simple Ways You Can Upgrade Your Entire Life This Month

Progress begins with one single step. You got this, queen!

1. Show up for the people you care about.

In a world full of people making excuses for not following through, be that person who shows up. Call Grandma out of the blue to say hello or finally follow up with plans to get coffee with that friend. You'll feel good you did.

2. Start a gratitude journal, where each day you reflect on one or two things you're grateful for.

It could be anything from tapping into a fond memory to the warm sun on your face to a good mental-health day. Journaling is not about being a great writer or documenting an ideal life; it's about releasing your thoughts to no one but yourself and seeing that a positive outlook is solely in your control.

3. Commit to a nightly self-care routine from the inside out.

Virtustudio / Getty Images

Sticking to a nightly routine can help you find calm after a chaotic day and prepare your body and mind for better beauty sleep. Drink some bedtime tea, apply a hydrating eye gel, and jot down some things in your gratitude journal.

4. Get a cute water bottle, fill it up, add slices of lemon or cucumber, and enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of proper hydration.

An old adage is that if you're feeling crappy, it's usually either due to stress or not drinking enough water. Want your brain to function better? Drink more water. Want to improve your overall well-being? Drink more water.

5. Customize (and stick to) a daily skin-care ritual.

Fortyforks / Getty Images

Skin care shouldn't be viewed as something frivolous and prissy; your skin is literally a living organ! Hydration and proper nutrition go a long way in helping your skin from the inside out — but for everything else, SPF moisturizers (like this one from Olay) and Daily Facial cleansers are key.

6. Do a social media purge with the goal of refocusing on positivity.

It's one thing to follow someone you find aspirational and cool, but if seeing someone's posts makes you feel like you aren't good enough or don't live a "perfect enough life" (whatever that is), hit that unfollow button for now. While you're at it, try to follow more accounts that bring you joy!

7. Adopt a pet (or just spend more time with animals).

Cuddly friends can improve your life overall, period. If adopting from a shelter or rescue feels like too much of a commitment, you can gain an immediate sense of purpose and love by volunteering with local animals in need of homes.

8. Clean out your closet as an act of inner housekeeping.

What we wear is so much a part of who we are, but holding onto things we haven't worn in ages is a form of holding onto what we've emotionally outgrown. Put the items that are collecting dust in a shopping bag, and once that shopping bag is full, drop it off at a donation center. Self-esteem isn't coming from the dress hanging up that you haven't worn in two years; it's knowing you can give back and make room for the new.

9. But, most importantly, remember that you're doing great.

When you're feeling overwhelmed or like you're not accomplishing what you want in life, close your eyes and think of one word to sum up what you want to feel in that moment. Then, simply do one thing that helps you get closer to that word. No matter how small the task is, give your absolute best, then give yourself credit when you're done. Make that an everyday habit, and you'll realize how easy it is to take the power away from overwhelming feelings.

Images via Getty

Upgrading your life won’t happen immediately…and that’s okay! Take the first step toward the beautiful skin you deserve with Olay.